Four individuals were taken into custody by Toronto police during a downtown protest on Tuesday evening. The incidents unfolded near York Street and Bremner Boulevard, spanning several hours.
One arrest occurred when a man allegedly snatched a flag from a counter-protestor at the demonstration near Harbourfront around 6:50 p.m. Despite police directives, the man refused to return the flag and was subsequently apprehended. The arrested individual, identified as 23-year-old Marwan Chatila from Mississauga, has been charged with theft under $5,000 and is due to appear in court at the Ontario Court of Justice.
Shortly after, at 7 p.m., another arrest was made as a man was observed climbing traffic poles and defacing street signs with a black marker while wearing a disguise. The individual, identified as 22-year-old Mehmed Yurt from Brampton, faces charges of two counts of mischief and wearing disguise with intent. Yurt is set to appear in court at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre.
The third arrest of the evening occurred around 9:40 p.m. when a man reportedly obstructed a police vehicle and then assaulted an officer when approached. The arrested individual, 40-year-old Barry Conway from Hamilton, has been charged with obstructing a peace officer and assaulting a peace officer. Conway is scheduled to attend court at the Ontario Court of Justice.
Additionally, during the same protest, another man, 21-year-old Jamie Glennie from Toronto, was arrested for allegedly interfering with officers during an arrest. Glennie has been charged with obstructing a peace officer and is also expected to appear in court at the Ontario Court of Justice.
The details regarding the nature of the demonstration or the groups involved have not been disclosed by the police.